Charleston, SC 6 Hour Offshore Reef Fishing
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6-hour offshore reef fishing targeting multiple speciesAll gear, bait, and licenses included for conveniencePrivate charter accommodates up to 4 guests maximum
Charleston's offshore reefs are where serious anglers go when they want to fill coolers and stock freezers for months. This top-rated 6-hour charter with Simon Says Private Charters puts you right where the big fish live – 20+ miles out where the water turns that deep blue and the bottom structure holds everything from heavyweight amberjack to tasty vermilion snapper. With Captain Simon at the helm and room for up to 4 anglers, you're looking at a world-class reef fishing experience that consistently delivers both variety and volume. All your tackle, bait, and fishing licenses are covered, so just bring your appetite for some serious bottom fishing action.
Your day starts with a run offshore to Charleston's productive reef systems, where decades of artificial structure and natural ledges create fish magnets in 60-120 feet of water. The ride out gives you time to rig up and talk strategy with the captain, who knows exactly which reefs are firing and what the fish are biting. Once we're on the numbers, it's game on – multiple rods working the bottom, coolers filling up, and that satisfying bend of a rod when something substantial grabs your bait down below. The boat's set up perfectly for bottom fishing with plenty of rail space, quality electronics to mark fish, and all the tackle you need to handle everything from feisty triggerfish to bruiser amberjack that'll test your arms. Six hours gives you time to hit multiple spots, adjust tactics as conditions change, and really put together a memorable day of reef fishing.
Offshore reef fishing is all about precision bottom fishing with the right gear and fresh bait. We're talking medium-heavy conventional setups spooled with 30-50 pound test, circle hooks sized to match your target species, and enough weight to get down and stay down in the current. The captain provides everything – quality Penn and Shimano reels, properly rigged bottom rigs, and a variety of baits from cut sardines and cigar minnows to live bait when conditions allow. Technique-wise, it's about reading the bottom structure on the fish finder, positioning over productive spots, and working baits right in the strike zone where these reef fish feed. You'll learn to feel the difference between a curious nibble and a committed bite, how to work a fish up from depth without losing it, and why timing your hookset matters when you're using circle hooks.
Gag Grouper are the crown jewel of Charleston's offshore reefs, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 24-inchers up to hefty 15+ pound specimens that'll make your drag scream. These aggressive predators love structure and hit baits hard, making them a customer favorite for both the fight and the table fare. Spring through early summer offers the best action before they move deeper, and there's nothing quite like watching a big gag come up from 80 feet of water. Greater Amberjack are the bulldogs of the reef – powerful, determined fish that can reach 40+ pounds and will absolutely test your endurance. They're most active during warmer months and provide some of the hardest fighting action you'll find on Charleston's reefs. Grey Triggerfish might be smaller than the other heavyweights, but they're crafty bait stealers with excellent eating qualities. Their season typically runs late spring through early fall, and they school up in numbers that can keep rods bent all day. King Mackerel cruise these same reef areas, especially during summer months, offering blazing fast runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. They're perfect for anglers who want some variety mixed in with their bottom fishing action. Cobia are the wildcards – these curious, shark-like fish often appear when you least expect them, growing to impressive sizes and providing unique sight-fishing opportunities when they cruise near the surface around reef structure.
Charleston's offshore reef fishing delivers exactly what serious anglers want – consistent action, quality fish, and enough variety to keep things interesting all day long. Captain Simon's local knowledge puts you on productive water, the boat's equipped for success, and six hours gives you real time to capitalize when the bite is on. Whether you're looking to stock the freezer with premium fish or just want to experience some of the best bottom fishing the Southeast has to offer, this charter hits all the marks. Spots fill up fast during peak season, especially for these renowned Charleston reef systems, so don't wait to secure your dates. Book your offshore adventure with Simon Says Private Charters and get ready for the kind of reef fishing day that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the ghosts of our offshore waters - they show up when you least expect them and disappear just as fast. These dark brown bruisers typically run 30-60 inches and can easily hit 40+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and floating debris in 30-100 feet of water, often cruising just under the surface. Late spring through early fall is prime time during their migration and spawning season. What makes cobia fishing special is it's mostly sight fishing - spotting that dark shadow gliding beneath the boat gets everyone's heart pumping. They're also some of the best eating fish in the ocean, with firm white meat that tastes like a cross between grouper and mahi. Pro tip: when you spot one, drop a bucktail jig or live bait right in front of their nose and work it slowly. They're curious fish and will often circle back for a second look.
Seriola dumeriliGreater amberjack are the bulldozers of our reef fishing trips. These bluish-grey powerhouses average 20-40 pounds but can push 60+ when you hit the jackpot. They patrol deep reefs, wrecks, and structure in 80-200 feet of water, always looking for an easy meal. Spring and early summer are your best bet when they're most active and feeding heavy. Guests love amberjack for that raw power - they'll test your tackle and endurance with deep, punishing runs straight to the bottom. The meat is excellent too, firm and mild when properly prepared. They're not picky eaters, but here's what works best: drop a live bait or heavy jig right to the bottom near structure, then work it just off the reef. When one grabs it, tighten that drag and start pumping - you can't give these fish any slack or they'll wrap you up in the rocks.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons and one of the most sought-after fish off Charleston. These silver bullets typically weigh 15-30 pounds, though we've boated some pushing 50+. They cruise the offshore waters from 40-150 feet, often along temperature breaks and current edges. Late spring through early fall is prime time when they migrate through our waters following baitfish. What makes kings special is that blistering run when hooked - they'll peel line like nothing else and jump clear of the water. Plus, they're excellent eating with rich, flaky meat. The key to landing kings consistently is running a stinger rig - tie a treble hook about 6 inches behind your main hook on wire leader. Kings love to grab bait by the tail, and that back hook will nail them every time.
Mycteroperca MicrolepisGag grouper are one of our most prized catches out here off Charleston. These bruisers average around 20 inches but can hit 50+ pounds when you find the big ones. They love hanging around our offshore reefs and wrecks in 60-120 feet of water, usually tucked into rocky ledges and structure. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when they're more active. What makes gag grouper special is that fight - once hooked, they'll drag straight for the bottom trying to cut your line on the rocks. The meat is fantastic too, firm white fillets that grill perfectly. Here's a local trick: when you feel that thump, don't give them an inch. Lock that reel down tight and horse them up fast before they can dive into a hole and break you off.
Balistes CapriscusGrey triggerfish might not look like much, but they're some of the most entertaining fish we catch on these reef trips. They typically run 12-17 inches and have this curious, aggressive personality that gets them into trouble fast. You'll find them hanging around the same hard bottom and reef structure as our grouper, usually in 30-180 feet of water. They're most active during the warmer months when they move up onto our nearshore reefs. Guests love them because they'll hit almost anything you drop down, and they make excellent table fare with sweet, firm meat. They're notorious bait thieves though - they'll nibble and pick at your offering before committing. Try using a chunk of squid about an inch square, and when you feel those little taps, give it a second then set the hook hard.
Charleston, SC